Knowledge and Practice Regarding Pentavalent Vaccination and use of Multi Dose Open Vial Policy: Assessment of Mothers and Health Workers of a Rural Area of North, Haryana

Context: Immunization is one of the most important preventive health actions against the most childhood diseases. Advent of combination vaccines in immunization schedule such as Pentavalent Vaccine has given many benefits. Aim: To assess knowledge of mothers/ caregivers and health care workers regarding Pentavalent vaccine and side effects of vaccine. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Raipur Rani Block in Panchkula, Haryana. All four PHCs and one SC from each PHC of this block were selected. A total 80 mothers attending immunization clinics and 10 health workers (8 ANMs and 2 LHVs) from PHCs and SCs were enrolled in the study. Methods and Materials: Predesigned, pre-tested and semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information of mothers/caregivers of children and health workers regarding pentavalent vaccine. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered into excel sheets and analyzed using SPSS version 23 utilizing appropriate statistical methods. Results: In the present study 38.8% of mothers correctly knew about what vaccine was given to the baby on the day of immunization. Also 70% of mothers knew about side effects of the vaccine. 83.3% of health workers were aware of the diseases prevented by pentavalent vaccine. All of them had very good knowledge regarding VVM benefits, its uses and working. Conclusion: Present study indicates that lack of knowledge about the serious AEFI, inability to communicate with the clients and not adhering to open vial policy increases the chances of adverse events that can impact vaccination coverage.